“Religion matters,” echoed through Washington DC as Secretary of State, John Kerry welcomed Special Representative to Muslim Communities, Shaarik H. Zafar. His words were clear and without equivocation as he called on Christians to address climate change for the sake of the Muslim people.
Noting that Muslim majority countries will likely be hit hardest by climate change, Kerry urged the sea of statesmen to collectively support climate change initiatives. Kerry added that, “Our faiths are inextricably linked on the environment. For many of us, respect for God's creation also translates into a duty to protect and sustain His first creation, Earth.”
A recent Christian Post article noted Kerry’s use of Genesis, observing that both Muslims and Christians derive their creation story from this sacred book of the Bible.
Kerry’s articulation of complex and urgent issues has been a bastion of hope this year; especially, when it comes to interfaith dialogue. Kerry has a talent for looking past the politicization and religious infighting to see what’s really at stake. He was there in Beijing after all, setting the stage for the US and China’s landmark deal in November to cut carbon emissions by 2030.
Kerry’s speech is a faithful manifestation of God’s precept: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” - John 15:12
America Has Biblical Responsibility to Protect Muslims From Climate Change, John Kerry Says
By Jeffery Scott - The Christian Post
Citing scripture, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that protection of majority Muslim countries included actions against climate change, because those nations are most susceptible.
At a ceremony to install Texas Lawyer Shaarik H. Zafar as the Special Representative to Muslim Communities for the State Department in Washington, DC on Sept. 3, Kerry said stewardship of the planet is stated overtly in Genesis and that the Christian and Muslim faiths are "inextricably linked."
"Our faiths are inextricably linked on any number of things that we must confront and deal with in policy concepts today," Kerry said. "Our faiths are inextricably linked on the environment. For many of us, respect for God's creation also translates into a duty to protect and sustain His first creation, Earth, the planet. Before God created man He created Heaven and Earth.
"Confronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid out in scriptures, clearly, beginning in Genesis. And Muslim-majority countries are among the most vulnerable. Our response to this challenge ought to be rooted in a sense of stewardship of Earth. And for me and for many of us here today, that responsibility comes from God.”
